Manufactured in circa 1868, very late for muzzle loading percussion guns, with no provision for ramrods and intended for use in live pigeon shooting. The maker’s have kindly confirmed that this pair of 12 bore guns were ordered on December 5, 1867 by a Col. J. Reeve with the records noting that they were to be the “… same in every respect as old guns 1096 1097” with low elevation ribs, silver sights and gold ovals. Boss & Co. styled themselves as “Builders of Best Guns Only” with a reputation for exclusivity and as makers of the very finest quality guns and rifles. The firm has been in continual existence for more than two centuries and have been responsible for major innovations in gunmaking. With browned Damascus barrels with low profile concave rib with bead front sight, engraved with the number “1” and signed “BOSS & Co. 73. St. JAMES’S STREET. LONDON”. Casehardened patent breeches each engraved with two fine bands of stylized running foliage, inlaid with a short platinum line and with platinum plug, the rib section finely engraved with a spray of scrollwork. The underside of the barrels with London proof marks and barrel maker’s mark “JP”. Casehardened standing breech and sidelocks, the latter each signed “BOSS & Co.” Furniture including casehardened trigger plate with stylized pineapple finial, blued trigger guard numbered “1” on the tang, and blued buttplate also numbered “1”. Best quality fine border and scroll engraving throughout. Well-figured walnut straight hand half length stock with checkered grip and forearm, the underside of the butt with gold oval escutcheon engraved with a crest. The pair contained in a two tier fitted oak case with lift out tray and lined in red baize, the lid with printed Boss & Co. trade label. With some accessories including two shell pattern brass mounted copper powder flasks.

Very fine. The barrels retain near 100% of their rebrowned finish with clear rib signature. The patent breeches and standing breech each have crisp engraving and retain faded traces of original casehardened finish. The locks have crisp engraving and retain 50% faded original casehardened finish. Furniture also with crisp engraving, the trigger plate retaining 50% original casehardened finish around the triggers, the trigger guard with 60% original blued finish, the buttplate with traces of original blued finish. The stock has been reoiled and has crisp checkering, slight repair ahead of the left lock, and occasional age related storage and handling blemishes. Mechanically excellent. The case is in very good condition and has been expertly relined. The trade label is slightly faded and with some age staining.

See “A”, the barrels, trigger guard tang and butt plate numbered “2”. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection

Very fine. The barrels retain near 100% of their rebrowned finish with clear rib signature. The patent breeches and standing breech each have crisp engraving and retain light traces of silvered original casehardened finish. The locks have crisp engraving and retain 50% faded original casehardened finish. Furniture also with crisp engraving, the trigger plate retaining some original casehardened finish around the triggers, the trigger guard with 70% original blued finish, the buttplate with 75% original blued finish. The stock has been reoiled and has crisp checkering, slight repair ahead of the left lock, and occasional age related storage and handling blemishes. Mechanically excellent.